A Bubble Blowing Activity that will Blow the Kids Away!

I bet you haven't given this blowing bubble activity any thought as a child party activity?

I'm not talking about little kids blowing little bubbles from those little containers - no, I'm talking about blowing HUGE bubbles. I bet you didn't even know that it was possible? Yes, your bigger kids and their friends can have a lot of fun with this blowing bubble activity and what's more, it's inexpensive too... especially if you know how to make the right bubble solution and tools.

I'll give you a few recipes to try out and also a couple of tool ideas. You can have lots of fun experimenting with the mixtures and creating your own original bubble making tools.

Bubble Tools

There are so many things around you that can be used to make bubbles. Wire hangers bent into different shapes, empty milk containers, string, plastic bowls, or even your bare hands held in the right position. Make a circle with your thumb and index finger or make an even bigger circle using both hands' thumbs and index fingers.

Bubble Solution

The really big bubbles need lots of solution which can get quite expensive. It's therefor a lot more economical to mix your own.

The best detergents to use are Joy and Dawn detergents but you need to experiment to see what works best for you.
You also need either glycerine or white Karo Syrup. This ensures colorful, sturdy bubbles. Glycerine can be bought from most drug stores, but it is expensive. Karo Syrup is available at the grocery store and is less expensive.

Amazingly enough, not any water is suitable! Hard water does not work whereas soft water does. Try using your tap water, but if you fail to get good bubbles, try using distilled water.

Solution 1:

1 Part Dawn Ultra/Joy Ultra : 15 parts distilled/soft water : 0.25 part glycerine/white Karo Syrup

Solution 2:

1 Part Regular Dawn /Regular Joy : 10 parts distilled/soft water : 0.25 part glycerine/white Karo Syrup

Solution 3:

2 Parts Regular Dawn /Regular Joy : 4 parts glycerine : 1 part white Karo Syrup

Most importantly - just have FUN!

Baby Bath Tubs - Do I Need to Buy One For My Baby?

It is easy to get carried away and buy your newborn everything they could possibly ever need. However, some things are more essential than others. A baby bath tub is one item that really can be made obsolete by you or your baby.

Some things you need to think about:

Cost

If you are going to buy a baby bath - shop around. Baby baths can cost anything from $10 to $100's (if you fancy splashing out on a roll top bath for your baby), and really depend on whether you want something stylish, or just practical.

Ease

We used a baby bath and the sink. It depended on who was bathing him. The baby bath could be used on the living room floor - until he started to splash too much! The sink was handy for a quicker bath.

Baby preference

For a while our baby developed hatred of bath time, we didn't know what to do He was about 1 1/2 and for no apparent reason at all, he seemed to be scared of water. He wouldn't use a baby bath or our bath at all. The only option left to us, was to top and tail him until the phobia passed. It worked, but it just goes to show, when YOU think something is OK for baby - they might have other ideas.

Alternatives

There are many ways to bath your baby.

In the adult bath - once your baby can sit up without assistance.
In a tummy tub or bucket bath - the 1st time you see these they look like very strange items. A tall tub that baby sits in, in the fetal position. As it replicates the womb; babies love them!
In a bowl in the sink - be careful to keep baby's head away from the taps In a baby bath with a support - these have a shaped sloping support that helps keep your baby more upright, while allowing them the freedom to splash around
In a regular baby bath. Probably the most common method.

Accessories

There are so many accessories you can buy from toys to baby bathrobes:

Toys - I really wanted my baby to have plastic bath ducks - but this was for me not him - he had absolutely no interest in them whatsoever! It was only as he got older that he started to want toys in the bath.
Bubble bath - again this is really only for when they get older. A newborn baby needs plain water for their bath - their skin just doesn't need anything in the water. Non slip bath mats - always a good idea if your child is using the bath
Baby shampoo visors - brilliant if your child starts to hate having their hair washed. It stops water running down their face and into their eyes when you rinse their hair.
Bath seats, these are great for that time when your baby is too big for a baby bath but too small for a regular bath. They can sit in a bath seat and be supported, but still have freedom to splash about.
Bath mitts and sponges, Mitts are great for washing the little ones, but a flannel or a sponge is all you really need
Bath toiletries, generally all you need is a bottle of top to toe wash for a small baby. All the talc, shampoos, bubble baths, are no good for their skin, and they really don't need them.
Baby bath robes and towels. Keep baby's towels separate from your own. Also, it is lovely to have a nice new towel to wrap them in after a bath.

Space

For me, space was an issue. Baby baths are big, our house was small. It just made so much more sense to use the sink with a bowl in it while our baby was small.

Safety

NEVER EVER leave your baby unattended in the bath. It can take a tiny amount of water and a couple of seconds for a terrible accident to happen. If you have to leave - take your baby with you.

Wet Or Dry Vinyl Lettering Installation

If you have recently purchased a vinyl lettering product you may be wondering how to install your purchase. Vinyl lettering can be installed easily using two basic methods. There is the wet method and the dry method. The wet method involves using a soapy solution and a squeegee, while the dry method involves using just a squeegee. Either method will leave you with a clean professional looking installation.

First off, it is highly recommended that you try a couple practice runs with small pieces of vinyl to get a good understanding of the process involved in vinyl installation. Most reputable vendors will include a small vinyl decal that you can use for practicing.

For either method start off by washing your hands. It's important that no dirt or residue be introduced to the application process, it can cause imperfections and reduce the tachiness of the vinyl. Remove your product from its packaging. Vinyl is susceptible to hot and cold temperatures, causing bending and warping of the vinyl, so make sure you're vinyl lettering is flattened. You can accomplish this by laying it out on a flat surface and running your squeegee back and forth across the transfer tape. Alternatively, you can also roll the vinyl in the reverse direction that it was shipped until it lays flat on your surface. Flattening the vinyl helps ensure it will go on flat and prevents wrinkles from forming and making it unattractive.

With your vinyl flattened out you want to ensure the application surface is clean as well. Always assume surfaces are dirty until cleaned. You can simply use a mild detergent for cleaning the surface. If you don't ensure your surface is entirely clean you can be left with small bubbles that are referred to as vinyl pimples.

Once you have a clean surface, place you're vinyl where you wanted to go and use masking tape to create alignment marks to keep it straight during the installation. Once you're happy with the alignment remove the vinyl from the surface and get ready to make the final installation.

Now take two small pieces of masking tape and place them near the center of the vinyl, at the top and bottom, this will hold the vinyl in place while you are removing the backing tape and using the squeegee to install it. Replace the vinyl on the surface using the alignment marks to guide you.

For the wet method you first need to make your solution. Mix 8 ounces of water with four to five drops of common household dishwashing soap such as Dawn or Palmolive. Never use more than 10 drops of soap to 8 ounces of water, too much soap can cause problems during installation. Using a spray bottle, hold one side of the vinyl up while you spray the solution onto the surface. Now you want to cut half of the backing tape from the vinyl and transfer tape, then use your squeegee to smooth down your vinyl onto the surface. Use firm pressure but not so much that you'll damage the vinyl or tear the transfer tape. Once you're happy with the first half remove the other half of the vinyl backing. Spray more solution onto the other side and use your squeegee to smooth out the other half.

The dry method for applying vinyl is exactly the same except you don't use any solution. The dry method is recommended on small vinyl projects that you can easily work out any bubbles from. The wet method allows air bubbles to slip out more easily and is preferred for larger vinyl projects.

Once the vinyl has been smoothed out with your squeegee slowly remove the transfer tape from the surface. If there are any air bubbles remaining in your vinyl you can use a small sewing needle to puncture holes in the vinyl and continue to squeegee out the air bubbles. These small holes will not be visible in the finished product. Vinyl is a very flexible and malleable product that will tend to close up any small imperfections such as needle holes.

If you need to reposition any part of the vinyl, you can try to use a heat gun or hair dryer to get some of the tackiness back to the vinyl and help it stick a little better. Heat is also good if you want to try to "push" the vinyl around and work it into a different position.

Now you're left with a clean professional looking vinyl installation. Again, it is recommended that you practice a couple times before attempting your first installation. If you don't have a squeegee on hand, you can also use a credit card or rubber spatula to help smooth our any air bubbles.

Using a Cat Toy Ball to Exercise Your Cat

Are you a feline lover at heart? Do you have a pet that you treat like part of the family? Are you constantly looking for tips on how to take better of your cat? If you want to know the secret to having a healthy and happy feline, then you need to make sure the beloved feline gets all the exercise that it needs. Though there are some people who think that it's just normal for a cat to lazily lounge around for the most part of the day, it's actually just a reflection of how lazy or inattentive the pet owner really is.

Contrary to popular belief, cats like to move around just as much as dogs. Though it may not seem that obvious, felines like physical and mental stimulation and attention just as much as any other animal. Since different cats have different ways of keeping themselves entertained, one needs to study the specific breed in order to determine what it likes. Take the time understanding your pet a bit more and it will be much easier to know what he/she really wants and needs.

Exercise can do wonders for your lovable fur ball. Putting him/her through a regular exercise routine will not only prevent diseases, but it will also ensure that he/she develops strong and lean muscles. If you're thinking of giving your cat an exercise regimen, try not to overwhelm or force your pet into a routine that it just isn't used to. You can start it off by introducing a cat toy ball in its area. You really don't have to do much to convince him/her to play with it as it is a part of a feline's nature to be inquisitive. The key is to take it slow so you're pet has time to develop a positive mindset towards the ball. Don't do anything that will make it feel like its being pressured into playing with it.

The great thing about this cat toy ball is that it can provide the pet with hours and hours of entertainment. Not only is it considered to be an effective tool in stimulating the pet physically, but the right toy ball can also provide the right mental stimulation. Since the toy ball comes in a wide array of different colours and materials, make sure to look for one that would suit the cat best. Avoid using just any regular ball as there are some that may turn out to be dangerous for their health.

Discover the World of Squinkies

Whether you are looking for a new and unique toy for the children in your life or are an avid toy collector yourself, Squinkies may be the ideal toy choice for you. These engaging and appealing mini dolls and their accompanying accessories may open up a world of fun and creativity. Moreover, Squinkies may be the next big thing in terms of cute collectibles.

Initially released in mid 2010, the original Squinkies collection included ninety-six tiny dolls. The first half dozen series that were released included sixteen dolls apiece, along with accompanying pet dolls. Popping open the cute bubble packs reveals the Squinkies, plus cute surprises as well. The popularity of the initial three themes will most likely lead to even more appealing dolls and themes becoming available to consumers.

The original birthday, princess, and fantasy-themed Squinkies packs come with bracelets, rings, or even an additional friend as part of the included surprise. Along with the many pets, play sets, and other accessories available, the Squinkies line offers a virtually unlimited combination of playing, trading, and collecting fun.

As new Squinkies dolls are released, the line will eventually feature many more themes and hundreds of collectible figures as well. Moreover, children who love Squinkies may delight in the virtually never-ending combinations they may create with the play sets, pets, and dolls. Regular releases of products will most likely lead to happy anticipation for what will come next. From creating a mini zoo to creating a princess-packed fantasy world, Squinkies may provide hours of imaginative fun.

Current play sets include a gumball playhouse, a mini bake shop, as well as other enticing play sets. These versatile toys may be thoroughly enjoyed during solitary or group play. For children who are particularly fond of computer games, the official online community may be a creative and satisfying outlet as well. Moreover, the Squinkies website may be a great way to find the best places to shop, find out about rare Squinkies, and keep up with latest news and products.

Baby shower thank you notes and examples for each baby gift you are sure to receive

For the family, friends and colleagues for a baby shower in her honor hosted ask, is a testament to your good friends. Showers and other gift options are not an expected event during each pregnancy, so when a friend, a guest shower provides, it is your task as polite as possible, before showering, the day of the event and the day after the party .

While you have accepted the gift giver for their present in the shower, modern traditionsI also suggest that handwritten note. Thank you notes should be sent within one week of receiving a gift, but when the time has flown by and you have not sent from your notes, remember that a note late is better than no notice at all. Try to write and send them as soon as possible. Thank you notes should be first sent to the host (s), then all the guests brought gifts to your shower. We recommend that you immediately send a thank you for a gift that arrived inmail. Donors appreciate knowing that you will receive the gift giving and waiting for the news to have so quickly.

Thank you notes should simply acknowledge the gift giver for their present. While each note will be different, they are following the same pattern: they are grateful for the gift, include a description or description of record, and contains an explanation of how the gift will be used. Each note contains a final thank you before the end of the mood. Here are aSome examples to help you get started.

Dear Traci,

It 'was very nice of you to think and send the box washcloth, bath foam, water and toys for our new arrival. Thanks to your bathroom ensemble, we are sure of the cleanest cities in the child. All my thanks.

Sincerely,

Diane

Dear Ursula,

Thanks for the bottle. It 'was very helpful, as many as Mike and I work twice as longFeedings. Thank you for your thoughtful gift and for us to welcome our new baby, Ben and Joey, in our family.

Love,

Diane

Thank you notes are important because they know that the people giving the gift, especially if it was sent. The note also makes the gift giver know you and your spouse enjoy their gift, and it will be for a good cause. Finally, take the time to write a letter, calm the gift giver that you value their friendship and appreciateTime and money in choosing a gift and access to the shower.

Squinkies Toys - #1 Reason Parents Should Buy This Toy

Squinkies Surprize Inside toys are tiny little doll toys that come inside plastic "gumballs". (Like the vending machine toys at the grocery store) Kid's anxiously pop them open to see which Squinkies toy is inside. These tiny little doll figures come as; animals, pets, fairies, and little Squinkies people. Often described as "squishy, squooshy, and squashy", there are already hundreds of different Squinkies to collect.

They are sold in bubble-pack series and play sets, and can be used as; pencil-toppers, jewelry, and of course toys to play with. One of the goals of most kids will be to collect all the Squinkies in a series, and the maker, Blip Toys, is continually introducing new series to keep their interest fresh.

These hundreds of little doll-like toys will spur kid's imaginations for hours as they create play scenes and "villages", or make their own custom jewelry bracelets by mixing and matching different Squinkies. Kids will be swapping and trading, and creating their own little commerce system as they strive to get as many different Squinkies dolls as they can.

Kids will be begging for Squinkies this season, but the #1 reason parents should buy them is that they are great "rewards" for good behavior! If kids behave when they are supposed to - they get a Squinkies. Make their bed, clean-up their room, do their homework - get a Squinkies. Every parent knows that kids will do what you want, (or what they are supposed to), a lot faster when they know they will get a reward for it!

The concept of getting a "reward" is even further enhanced when you get the Squinkies Gumball Machine Play set. It is just what the name implies, a gumball-like dispenser that will dispense a Squinkies Surprize Inside ball when you insert one of the plastic coins and turn the knob. Imagine the suspense as your child anxiously waits to see what is inside their "reward".

The Squinkies toy line includes;

Squinkies Bubble packs - 16 different toys in each pack

Play Sets:

Cupcake Surprize Bake Shop Gumball Machine Play HouseGumball Machine Play SetTea Time Surprize Plat SetPalace Surprize Collection Display

Mini-Sets:

Under the Sea SurprizeBride-to-be SurprizeShopping Fun Surprize Royal Fun Surprize

Jewelry Sets: (bracelets with interchangeable Squinkies)

Birthday Surprize Fantasy SurprizePrincess Surprize

So the real #1 reason parents should buy Squinkies toys is that like educational toys that help young children in their early development, Squinkies will help them mold positive behavior that will make their life, and yours, a lot easier.

How Does An Inclinometer Work?

WHAT IS AN INCLINOMETER AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Also known as Tilt meter or Tilt sensor, the Inclinometer is a tool used for measuring angular tilt. Inclinometers are used for sensing movements, whether it's embedded in concrete structures, attached to a dam, buried down a tunnel or even for monitoring the volcanoes the Inclinometer is capable of producing very accurate results even at the most irregular surfaces. Inclinometers and tilt sensors date back around half a century. The inclinometer is also known as the clinometer.
Now the inclinometer is available in single and dual axis configurations.

COMMON TECHNOLOGIES USED WITHIN THE INCLINOMETER SENSOR

The most common technology that is used for Inclinometer or the clinometer sensor is the accelerometer, electrolytic, mercury, gas bubble liquid and pendulum.

ELECTROLYTIC INCLINOMETER

The electrolytic tilt sensors are able to produce a very accurate measurement and are able to produce an electric signal to show exactly how much a structure is leaning in reference to gravity. This kind of tilt sensor is generally used in automotive industry, electronics, gyroscopes and satellites. These are also known as the most durable of all the tilt sensors yet avaliable.

MERCURY INCLINOMETER

Inside a mercury type tilt sensor the tilt is determined by a metal or glass can, within which there is a tiny drop of mercury and two electrodes.

GAS BUBBLE LIQUID INCLINOMETER

A gas bubble tilt sensor is comprised of a glass tube filled with liquid. The tube which comprises of the liquid and the bubble is commonly bent. The position of the bubble indicates the angle. This gas bubble inclinometer is also known as a tilt meter, clinometer or a slope indicator.

PENDULUM INCLINOMETER

Pendulum tilt sensor is commonly used to determine the stability of the submarines and the ships. It has generally been used by the navy around the world.
The pendulum is a suspended hollow metal cylinder filled with mercury. Attached to a small shaft, it tends to remain vertical. The movement of the pendulum and hence the object it is attached to is noted by a pointer.

KINDS OF INCLINOMETER

Inclinometer is used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles from vehicles to airplanes, boats and even satellites. There are two basic kinds of Inclinometers that are used:

HORIZONTAL INCLINOMETER

This kind of tilt sensor or clinometer is used for observing deformation on concrete structures and foundations.

VERTICAL INCLINOMETER

The vertical tilt sensor or clinometer is used for monitoring abrupt movements, especially in landslide areas, under water and in tilted areas. They are known to give dynamic performances.

DIGITAL INCLINOMETER

Known for their extraordinary accuracy, the digital inclinometer uses breakthrough technology. They are now very strong, tough and really easy to use. Its signals and data are digital. It is used for the verification of various angles and slopes in the engineering industry. This tilt sensor provides results that are precise and computed with both analog and digital sensors used for single-axis and dual-axis measurements.

Avon Cosmetics: A Leader In Cosmetics As Well As Corporate Philanthropy

Avon cosmetics are manufactured by the Avon Products, Inc. corporation. Avon produces perfume, cosmetics and even toys with markets in over 135 countries around the world. Avon has annual sales of $7.74 billion around the world. Avon's CEO and company chairman is Andrea Jung, who in 1999 was promoted to the position.

Today, Avon's' fastest growing markets are in Russia and China. Though Avon has traditionally been and continues to primarily be a direct-sales company, in places like China most sales happen in retail stores. Door to door selling was banned in China during the 1990s, but this hasn't seemed to slow Avon sales in China.

Avon cosmetics are not just for women, though traditionally women have been the target market for Avon products. There are also Avon products that are geared toward men and their skin care needs. Avon has also been seeing profits from their children's products, including toys and basic toiletries such as shampoo and bubble bath.

More recently, Avon came out with two new brands, "M" and "mark". M is an Avon catalogue and line of products for men. Mark is an Avon line targeted to younger, college aged women (18-25). The Mark product line has been very successful and features a monthly 'magalog' that showcases the latest and most popular Avon cosmetics and other products geared toward younger cosmetics shoppers.

Beyond commercial pursuits, the Avon corporation is also invested in various philanthropic causes that are mostly focused on health and women's empowerment issues. Some of the biggest campaigns launched or participated in by Avon involve breast cancer, domestic violence and global issues.

To find out more about Avon cosmetics, corporation history or philanthropic ventures, take a look ath their official website found at http://avon.com

Candida in Children - Bathing With No Bubbles

This friend of mine is quite upset dealing with candida in her children. She is sure that she has candida, but all her 3 little daughters have almost constant yeast infections, too. She used Lotrimin on it and was told by someone else that they probably need a prescription anti- fungal. Her first daughter had several ear infections as an infant and she is sure that's what caused the overgrowth in her. Her second and third daughter had a few ear infections, but the middle and the oldest have a constant itchy, burning bottom.

Their symptoms are itchy, burning, red genital areas that sometimes extend back. They don't sleep with a pet, but they have a dog. They use Cetaphil soap with no bubbles. Her youngest has a pretty bad yeast infection right now, and she's only been on antibiotics maybe once or twice and none in the past year. She asked me for any help in the way of advices with her problem.

Let's note that she only uses Cetaphil and no bubbles, as a lot of people are sensitive to that and may get a yeast infection from it. But, there is another problem if she washes their hair in the tub. She has to try washing them under running water and not filling the tub. Also, if they are sitting in the tub, there might be a residue from cleaning agents left behind that might be mixing with their skin. If you have pet, you have to be checked for worms.

You have to start washing your children with the hand-held shower instead of letting them sit in the tub. They must love to play in the tub with toys, but you have to stick with it if their problems get better. I was also told that athlete's foot can be on the floor of the tub and then transfer to a child. And there is also a possibility that their symptoms could very well be coming from the water. I'm not sure what kind of water you have, but the water itself could be the culprit. You may also want to research shower/bath faucet filters. City water has a lot of chlorine in it, which is very harmful to young tender skin.

How Do I Know If My Cat is Spraying Or Urinating?

Some people have confusion when trying to decide if the cat is spraying or urinating outside of the litter box. Either situation is bad, but knowing which one your cat is doing can help you more quickly solve the problem.

In many cats, they will use the litter box faithfully, but still spray and mark their territory on a regular basis.

Cats spray and mark their territory for several reasons. Mostly spraying is done by unaltered males and females trying to attract a mate. This activity is also done to mark territory. It is a signal to other cats to stay away and that this is their house.

Some cats also do it as a reaction to stress, or to simply communicate with other cats.

When your cat sprays they are not simply urinating what comes out is a mixture between urine glandular secretions. These are essentially pheromones the other animals can smell.

To tell the difference between urinating and spraying look for the signs. First when a cat sprays it stands straight up lists its tail and holds its bottom-up high. This is opposed to urination were the cat crouches and the holds its bottom down.

Also when a cat sprays it has a distinct smell that is very different from urine.

One of the easiest ways to get your cat to stop spraying is to have them spayed or neutered. If you think your cat is exhibiting this behavior because they are stressed out, try to figure out where the source of stress is coming from and eliminate it.

Bath Time Magic for Kids

Bath time is the perfect opportunity for parents and children to really get to know each other and spend quality time together.

How you view "bath time" is up to you. Many parents choose to treat it as a chore and dread the evenings - as do their children. In many homes, bath time is about as boring as brushing teeth. You, however, can choose to turn bath time into something special, which both you and your child will look forward to every day. For a child, bath time should be a transition between the noisy, busy world of day and the peaceful, cosy world of bed. With very little effort on your part you can make it a magic time for both of you.

How do you inject some magic into bath time? Firstly, by prioritizing it. Fix a time for baths that works around meals, cooking, welcoming home your spouse, making evening telephone calls and relaxing - and establish that time for both you and your child. If the phone rings, leave the answer machine to pick it up. Try to do a quick tidy-up with your child before bath time, so that you aren't faced with a horrible mess afterwards - that way it becomes a transition between day and evening for you too. Make sure that you set aside enough time so that you aren't rushing and nagging your child to hurry.

Now, to make bath time fun! Here are some suggestions for adding magic.

Bubbles:

Have an assortment of bubble baths suitable for your child. As long as you don't choose anything too harsh, you don't have to stick to children's products, which can have very unnatural scents and colors. Include basic baby bubble bath and some therapeutic bath salts for energetic, sporty days. Display your different bottles and make a show of choosing which bubbles you will use each night. Perhaps if your child has been helpful tidying up, they can choose?

Essential Oils:

Two drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil (no more!) added to the bath and stirred in well will soothe and calm a fractious child after a long day. For variation, and to be sure that the oil disperses well, you can also add the drops to a cup of milk before adding to the bath. We sometimes use an unscented mild bubble bath with the essential oil.

Candle light for special occasions:

This is obviously only suitable for well-supervised bath times - but kids really do love the atmosphere of a candle lit bath. We would suggest that candles are lit only when the children are in the bath, and are extinguished before they climb out to be completely safe.

Warm towels and pyjamas:

Especially pampering in the winter months, children love to get out of the bath into a warmed towel and pyjamas! Little touches make all the difference.

Poetry night:

In our household, every Friday night bath time was poetry night. We chose Friday night because we often had other children round to play on a Friday afternoon and that meant that our kids were often over-tired and irritable when it came to bath time. We found suitable poetry in the library and on the internet, stored any printed pages in plastic file folders to keep them splash proof, and tried to introduce an interesting variety of poems to the kids. In reality, we read the same favorite poems over and over again!

Bath toys:

Rotate bath toys ruthlessly so that there is always something interesting to play with! Every so often you can raid the kitchen for suitable implements too - children love playing with sieves, whisks, measuring cups and jugs. Our kids would play endlessly with a plastic funnel, plastic bottles (some with holes punched in them) and a couple of plastic jugs. If you don't want to use your own kitchen equipment, you can find these things very cheaply at garage sales and dollar stores. A plastic colander doubles as an excellent storage basket.

Fun foam toys:

You can buy fun foam shapes in buckets, or you can buy the foam at the craft store and cut your own shapes. Perhaps you could change your shapes to match holidays and seasons - flowers for spring and summer, Christmas trees at Christmas, bunnies and eggs at Easter? There are many possible learning activities too: cut pieces to teach colours, shapes, numbers or the alphabet, and practice matching, grouping, sorting, ordering and so on.

Shaving foam sculpture:

Squirt a few large blobs of shaving foam onto the side of bath or into your child's hands (warn him to keep it away from his eyes) and let his imagination take over!

Music and story tapes:

Bath time is a good opportunity to introduce music of all kinds or to listen to a special story on tape or CD.

Blowing bubbles:

For a special treat, bring some bubble blowing mixture into the bathroom. Make sure that it doesn't get into anyone's eyes!

Colorful baths:

A few drops of food coloring will transform the bath into something exotic! Try orange or green at Halloween, red or green at Christmas, red for Valentine's Day and so on. Keep the bottle well out of children's reach!

Language night:

A friend used bath time once a week as "language night", teaching her kids French by listening to French tapes and singing French songs. She decorated the room with small colorful posters, made by cutting up old exercise books or printing pages off the net and laminating them, which she stuck around the bath with sticky-tack. Any bath toys used that night were objects that could be named in French (plastic vegetables from her child's shop, plastic boy and girl dolls, and so on).

Finally, remember that in a few short years the whole ritual of bath time will be long gone and your children will be old enough to shower or bath on their own - resisting any attempt from you to interfere! Have you noticed how eagerly a grandmother runs her grandchild's bath and splashes and plays for much longer than necessary? If you asked her she would tell you to make the most of bath time while you can. Whatever you do now to make bath times magic will be repaid a thousand times in memories for you and your children in the future!

The Real Big Bubble

There is considerable talk of a stock market bubble that has burst, much like previous times when markets were pushed too high by investment over-confidence. Meanwhile much of our society is in worry mode about our finances, family, and life in general. These are both confusing and stressful times. However the financial and general circumstances might be quite different than in previous downturns.

Over the past many decades in the developed world, we have created a major bubble consisting of smaller bubbles regarding commerce and consumption. So many excesses have been pumped into our lifestyles under the intense pressure applied by corporate marketing.

Democracy's 'free enterprise' has been too free as it has allowed the corporate world to design our social standards to their benefits. We have been convinced that we require more of just about everything, much of which is non-essential or promotes unhealthy or stressful living.

At the helm of this social titanic are greed and profit and the lack of laws to control them, or the will to enforce those that exist. The ideology of commercialism is totally devoted to maximizing profit. It is allowed to grow with little obstruction and in such a way that social abuse for personal or corporate gain becomes more acceptable with each passing year. Competition for consumers' money, to increase shareholder value, continually strengthens. This has some very undesirable effects as the persuasive methods used become more intense and less ethical.

The results are obvious. We have been living in an era of 'too much' and we are going to pay the price one way or another.

Too many too large corporations produce too many goods and services that do not have positive value to society or may even be harmful. The costs of material and wages is wasted these whereas they could be directed to producing more goods and services that have social and family values, such as in education, health, peace, poverty, and world friendly projects.

More and more newer products and services are unimproved, of poor quality, defective or unworkable, but profitable to sell. This results in too much waste that depletes and spoils our world's natural resources. The hours we work to purchase these things are wasted time and money.

Consider some of the material things aggressively marketed and sold to us that are excessive in quantity, size, style and cost. Proud possessions such as cars, homes, clothes, appliances, gadgets and toys. Increasingly these have too many features so they can be proclaimed 'New and Improved'. There are too many varieties of the too many products, which might not differ significantly but sell more and waste more retail space.

While often exorbitant riches are too easily or unjustly accumulated by some, others live in devastating and cruel poverty.

Will pumping money into this faltering system, to encourage buying to boost the economy and markets, help?

Perhaps, if it is spent to produce that which will be useful and provide true value to our society, the world and our happiness.

Perhaps we will continue along the same path, patching the bubble for an extension of another decade or more of the same.

But to fix this once and for all we also need to return to a more rational way of existing that is satisfying and fair to all, and sustainable. We cannot continue with our high flying market-consume way of living if we want a just society that we can feel good about. Simpler living is the prescription, from the super rich corporate executives, athletes and entertainers, down to middle class citizens we need to downsize our artificial desires. And the lives of the unfortunate lower class must be improved and poverty eliminated.

This will require a new way of thinking about ourselves and our place in the world. It will be necessary for citizens to voice their dissatisfaction with this commercial oriented society. We must insist on strong and innovative systems of government for all people and not favored towards corporations and the elite.

How to childproof your bathroom

All children love being in the bathroom. This is true even if their evening bath toys and bubbles filled with water. The problem with bathroom, they got water in them and the statistics are frightening that a child may be 2 or 3 cm of water to drown in less than a minute. Scary is not it? This makes you look at the toilet in a whole new way!

Here are six steps to your pool safe for children and safe:

1. Keep bathroom door closedof all time: Make sure also to keep out the toilet seat. This includes bathing in a different environment, except the bathroom. If the child is able to open the bathroom door, get a lock the toilet seat, just to be safe.

2. Keep all medicines out of reach: this should preferably be locked in a closet.

3. Keep your lotions, razors and hair dryers out of reach: Place these items on a top shelf and away from prying hands. Remember that your childwill grab something, especially when it comes within the field.

4. Set the water temperature at a lower level: Test the bath water with your elbow before placing the child in the bathtub. A child's skin burns more easily than an adult.

You may also consider to provide a thermostatic mixing value for the hot water tank. This ensures that hot water from the taps As is always friendly to a safe temperature.

5. Let your child, even inBad: Not for a second. And never leave your child alone while the bath water running.

6. Remove the lock on the bathroom door, a child is more likely to align themselves in a bathroom when they are able to reach the door. Make sure you can unscrew the lock from the outside, and holding a screwdriver in easy to reach the ground, especially for emergencies, like the top of a door frame.

How to Make Homemade Parrot Toys

Homemade parrot toys are an excellent substitute for pet shop bought toys as long as you know what entertains your parrot and you keep their safety constantly in mind. Parrots rely on toys to keep themselves amused as well as for a lot of their mental stimulation and ability to carry out their natural instincts like foraging, burrowing and exploring.

It is a good idea to initially buy some manufactured toys from the pet store so you can get a good idea of the correct size of toys your parrot can play with safely as they normally have a size guide on the parrot toy packaging. Also you can see how your bird reacts to the toys and what style of toy your bird really enjoys. As parrots naturally explore and play with their toys they will bite, chew and gnaw on them and eventually they will break and disintegrate until they are unsafe for the parrot to play with anymore and this is when you can replace them with your homemade parrot toys.

You should always have your parrots safety at the forefront on any homemade toy design so you should only use materials that are safe for your bird which normally means no artificially coloured materials or materials treated with chemicals of any sort. This leaves you with materials such as cardboard, rope, towels, certain types of paper, certain types of plastic and certain types of metal chain ( although zinc plated metal should not be used as it is toxic to parrots).

If you have experienced parrots before you may already know of their fondness of any and all jewelry you may be wearing as well as your hair and pretty much anything they can grab or play with about your person. A good way to combat this is to make an activity blanket or shirt. You take an old comfortable shirt or towel and sow everything from buttons, coloured strings and beads all over the front side. Now when you take your parrot out of its cage it will quite happily play with all of the shiny sown on items. Just make sure after each session of play that you check to make sure all of the buttons and beads are still securely in place.

Other popular toys involve placing a cardboard box in the parrots cage covered in paper so that it presents the opportunity for your parrot to burrow and explore what is their new 'cave' and hiding a treat inside just adds to your parrots pleasure. Another popular toy is constructed using a thick rope that is knotted in various places as this makes an excellent toy for your parrot to grab and chew on. Other popular toys can be made out of bubble wrap, empty brightly coloured soda cans, squeaky dog toys etc

The only real limit to homemade toys is your birds safety and your own imagination and with that advice you should be able to come up with and make many many enjoyable and entertaining homemade toys for your parrot.

9 Easy Ways to Set Up Outdoor Play Time For Toddlers

One of the most vital aspects of toddler development come through the outdoor play time they have and the equipment parents provide for them. Whether it is a purchase for the backyard or a regular trip to the park a toddler will benefit from the opportunity to get outdoors and have fun.

The toys and equipment are often beneficial for major muscle groups with running and climbing but there is also the chance for them to get some sensory play with the messier things like water, sand, and dirt. Outdoors is also the perfect place for the messier crafts like gluing and painting if the weather is right.

Great Things Kids Can Play With Outside

Outdoor play needn't be just about expensive play equipment. There are many cheap and even free ways to get the most out of your toddlers outdoor time.

Paddling pools - great on the ground for paddling or even on a table for hand play. Add some cups and buckets for pouring and floating fun.
Bubbles - All kids love bubble. You can have fun blowing them or invest in a bubble machine. These help to give toddlers spatial awareness as they try and catch the bubbles.
Ride On Toys - outdoors kids can have a lot of fun on ride on toys. They might be learning to pedal, scooter, or just pushing with their legs.
Balls, skipping ropes, bowling - these types of games help with hand-eye coordination as well as playing with others included in a game.
Natural Props - give children the chance to play with leaves, logs, rocks, sticks and other things in the natural environment. It is a great way to learn about the world around them.
Being loud - not only do kids get a chance to run and jump outside they get a chance to shout and make a higher level of noise than indoors.
Balance Boisterous Outdoor Play With Some Quiet Time

Playing outdoors will certainly wear your child out and make them tired. This is a good thing in many ways but do be aware that the smaller the child the faster they will get tired and it can take very little play at first.

Also for older preschoolers too much excited play can over-stimulate and cause problems with behavior. So rather than completely free play time, try to structure in some rest and quieter times as well. There are a few ways you can do this:

Food - a picnic is a lovely way to encourage children to sit and relax while eating and discussing their day.
Nature walk - a slow walk to study trees and things around them is a nice way to wind down from active play. It's also an opportunity to talk with kids about how wonderful nature is around them.
Read a story - a book outside is a wonderful way to settle things down a little. Sitting quietly together or in a group situation with a good book to read out loud will be something they will remember. Find a shady spot if the sun is hot.
Important things to remember

Sun Safe

Be sure to slip, slop, slap with shirts, sunscreen, and hats and find ample shade areas. The sun can be fiercest between the hours of 10am and 4pm so in summer think about staying indoors during these times.

Drinks

Smaller children can dehydrate quickly. Although they may have some other drinks like juice or milk, be sure to give them water. Juices and cordials have a high sugar content and can also dehydrate so use those occasionally and in conjunction with plain water.

Water Safe

If you have any water present or are near water, watch the kids like a hawk. It takes very little water to put them in danger so be vigilant.

Adult Supervision

This point cannot be stressed enough. Supervision is a key factor to a great time being had outside. Things can easily develop into a dangerous situation or children can wander off if you are watching them close enough to be able to grab them when needed. Leaving toddlers with older kids is not adequate supervision. Teenagers may be fine on a one on one situation.

Play With Them

See outdoor play as an opportunity to join in the play with children. Get up and chase, rune and laugh along with them for a while. This will not only give them a wonderful time but will keep you active as well.

Outdoor toys and play equipment will foster a lot of physical and mental development in toddlers. It is a part of the day that is always enjoyable for them. Even if the weather is a little cool or there is a little rain this is great time to get them into the wet weather gear and go find some puddles to jump into.

The Many Alternative Uses for Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is one of those protectors created for a sole purpose that actually has thousands of alternative uses. Traditionally used to protect products within packaging people have invented countless ways to re-use the highly useful material. Whilst some suggested uses for it are ridiculous, such as reducing suicide rates by covering pavements in bubble wrap, some of the more original uses are actually very good. People reuse the material in so many ways, even as insoles for shoes, but these are the most practical alternative uses for the fun and versatile material.

One popular alternative use for it is to line the draws of a refrigerator, especially the draws where fruit and vegetables are kept. This is actually one of the more common alternative uses for bubble wrap as it is still fulfilling its primary function of protection by cushioning. Lining the draw where fruit and vegetables are kept will prevent bruising especially with softer fruits like peaches. An added bonus to lining refrigerator draws with the material is that if you forget you have fruit in the draw and realise the mouldy mess later in the month then it is an easy clean up job.

Another alternative use for it is for decorating and painting. If you want to paint textured patterns onto a wall you would more often than not use a sponge. Bubble wrap however can also give a great textured pattern when painting and surprisingly it does not look as tacky as you may think. One really effective way to use it for painting is to buy bubble bags to apply the paint. You can simply slip a bubble bag onto your hand like a glove and start painting. Using bubble bags will often reduce the mess when applying the paint and if it doesn't at least you can have fun and look a bit silly when you are painting.

As well as decorating using the material many people have started to create works of art using bubble wrap. One artist inserted paint into the individual bubbles of a giant sheet in order to create a macaque style portrait of his wife. Bubble wrap has also been used to create sculptures. One notable sculpture is located in Olympia USA which depicts a man reading a book. The sculpture is almost entirely made from tape and the material and is to scale - it was made using the help of a sixteen year old model.

These are only a small number of the many alternative uses of it however they are some of the more constructive and practical. Bubble wrap is a highly versatile material which if you are imaginative you can use in many situations.

Squinkies Cupcake Surprise Bakeshop Is A Stunning Success

There is always some occasion where a special toy is just the gift you are looking for. Now with the holiday season approaching a toy such as the Squinkies Cupcake Surprise Bakeshop can be just the present you need to delight that very special child in your life. This is predicted to be one of the top selling toys of the year and it is already in short supply at many of the retail sites.

With the Squinkies Cupcake Surprise Bakeshop you are able to give any child a wonderful toy that will encourage them to use their imagination and motor skills. This is only one of the many Squinkies themed toys that are now available and it is an excellent introduction for your child that will welcome them to the whimsical world of Squinkies.

The cupcake shaped toy includes 9 toy bubbles that contain special Squinkie figurines inside them. This little bakeshop will hold as many as 15 of these toy bubbles. Your child will certainly want to try to collect as many of the different Squinkies as possible, and this task can be one that the two of you tackle together.

The doors of the Bakeshop can be opened and closed to allow for additional playtime experiences. This toy is sturdy but extremely lightweight and only weighs 2 pounds. This means that almost any child will be able to carry it about from room to room.

Young children are certain to be delighted with the Squinkies Cupcake Surprise Bakeshop. This little Bakeshop clearly shows that the toy designers understand how to engage the mind of a child. Children will learn counting skills, colors, and improve their manual dexterity all by playing with these beloved Squinkie toys and figurines. This is a world filled with miniatures and kids have always been intrigued by miniature objects.

The Squinkies Cupcake Surprise Bakeshop is as colorful as a rainbow which is always a sure way to catch the eye of any child. The cupcake shape and bright colors makes certain that this new toy is one that will be included on everyone's holiday list.

With this toy treat imagination is king and your children will be busy for hours on end thinking of new games that revolve around this Bakeshop. After all who can resist a colorful cupcake world that is filled with fun and surprises.

The little bubbles that hold the special Squinkies are able popped into the top of the cupcake. Then your child just places one of the coins into the slot and Presto! The toys are then dispensed in much the same way as candy or gumballs.One thing to remember is that these little bakeshops are not intended for toddlers. Because of the smaller pieces that this toy contains the Bakeshop is only recommended for children ages 4 years old and up.

You can find the Squinkies Cupcake Surprise Bakeshop at large retail stores and also at online vendors such as Amazon. Other related Blip toys include the Squinkies Gumball Surprise Playhouse, the Squinkies Palace Surprise and additional Squinkies Bubble Packs.

Easy Easter Baskets by Age

If you are doing several Easter baskets for family and friends you may be overwhelmed trying to decide what to fill them with. Often it works best to determine what your basket recipient would like depending on their age. Following is a guideline for choosing the contents for Easy Easter baskets by age-

For a toddler basket- You will want this Easter gift basket to be full of small things that will delight your child. Candy should be kept to a minimum since it is often difficult to regulate with a very young child. You could include:

Books-Cardboard books work especially well for this age group since they can stand up to rough usage.
Toys-Small toys will enchant this age child but make sure there are not small pieces that can break off and be a choking hazard
Bubbles
Puzzles that are age appropriate
A plush animal For an elementary age child's Easter gift basket- This age group is ready to take on more complicated toys. They are the most enthusiastic about Easter and will be delighted to go through Easter basket. You could include:

Art supplies-markers, pens and pencils, paper and stickers
Travel games
Easter themed plush animals
Character based toys
Water toys
Candy and other treats that they enjoy For a pre teen basket- While this age group may seem reluctant to join in the fun of a basket they will secretly love getting one. You could include:

DVDs of a recent hit movie for this age group
CD's or a gift card to download music
Makeup as appropriate
Locker accessories for school
Items that reflect a personal interest or hobby
Snack packs of treats that they can keep in their locker For a teenager's Easter basket- They may seem even more reluctant than their pre-teen counterparts but you should not be fooled by their standoffish behavior. They will also enjoy getting an Easter basket with the following items-

A gas card if the teenager is driving
A gift certificate to their favorite store
CDs of a gift card to download music
Items that reflect a personal interest or hobby
Treats and other snacks that they would enjoy For a college student's basket- This Easter basket may have to be mailed if your college student cannot come home at Easter. But you can let them know that they are thought of with the following items-

A money gift card(since most college students are always broke)
Treats or other food items that remind them of home. Whether it is home baked chocolate chip cookies or ones from a special bakery they will appreciate it.
School supplies
Items to decorate a dorm or apartment For an adult Easter basket- An adult Easter basket can be personalized to fit the interest or hobbies of the recipient but any adult would be happy with the following basket. You could include:

Gourmet chocolates-don't forget a chocolate Easter bunny
Peeps-because every Easter basket should have them
A gift certificate to a favorite restaurant perhaps accompanied by movie tickets
Assorted Easter candies and trinkets as appropriate for the Easter recipient For a grandparent- Whether a grandparent is near or far they would love to receive an Easter gift basket with the following items:

A small but easy to care for flowering plant
Pictures from loved ones
A digital frame fully loaded with pictures
A gift card to a favorite restaurant (many seniors are on fixed incomes and appreciate this)
An assortment of retro Easter candy for fond memories

4 Hot New Girls Christmas Toys for 2010: What to Buy for Your Little Girl

Christmas 2010 is right around the corner. Have you started shopping for the latest, greatest toys for Christmas? What are the latest trends in new toys for girls this year?

Children love to wake up on Christmas morning, eager to tear off the wrapping paper from their gifts, hoping to find Christmas toys that will please them.

Every Christmas, parents struggle with all kinds of questions of what toys to buy for their children. How many toys should you buy? Will your child play with them, two months after Christmas has passed? Are the toys safe? Can you really find toys that kids will like that aren't played on a Wii, Nintendo, home computer or Xbox? Are the toys from reliable, reputable toy makers? Where can you shop and find the toys to have them delivered in time for Christmas?

Buying toys from long-established toy makers like Disney, Hasbro, Mattel, Fisher Price, and others is a good plan. These toy makers test their toys to make sure they are safe and fit the recommended kids' age range.

Every year, toy manufacturers work hard to create new ways to entertain, educate and thrill families with fun, safe toys. Let's look at two toys in the most popular toy categories for younger children, shall we?

Category 1. Plush Toys
Sing-a-Ma-Jigs are a new singing plush toy that look like Mr. Bill of Saturday Night Live. These seven inch high dolls sing different songs when you press their bellies. Get two or more and they will sing the same song in harmony, with a different pitch. Lots of fun and entertainment for the whole family.

My Pillow Pets are lovable pet-shaped plush toys that convert to a pillow. Designed for younger children, My Pillow Pets are great to use in every room of the house, in the car and visiting family. You never know where your child wants to take a nap. A Pillow Pet will help your child feel comfortable sleeping almost anywhere.

Category 2. Little Girls Let's Pretend Toys
Little girls love Christmas toys because they love to play pretend. The best girls' Christmas toys help develop their imagination, in practicing when they grow up.

The Calico Critters Townhouse is a fun, classic toy loved by kids for the past 25 years. Aimed at children ages three and up, this product provides an imaginative escape for any child to play house. Every furry Calico Critter needs a home. Your little girl can help make that home.

This cute townhouse is compact, measuring 12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches. That makes it easy to store and play with. The house has four rooms for living, eating or sleeping. A fifth divider can be placed in the home to make a fifth room for a growing Calico Critters family. The home is two levels. There is a staircase that allows creatures to move freely between levels. You can buy pairs or families of Calico Critters and the furniture for each room in the townhouse separately.

Squinkies Cupcake Factory by Blip Toys is a darling way to have your girl enjoying playing bakery in a very safe way. The factory creates little surprise toys enclosed in a little, clear plastic bubble, just like your girl would buy from a vending machine. You can buy additional Squinkie toys, too that make the toy more fun to use. You can hear lots of giggles and enjoyment for girls ages 3 and up.

The challenge with buying new, hot toys for Christmas is that they become a big fad and everyone wants to buy the same toy. If you wait until "Black Friday" or the week before Christmas, chances are that you won't find the toy you want or you'll pay a premium for it. The way to solve that problem is to find a reputable on-line store that you can trust and has inventory to fill your order.

Fun Toddler Party Favors For Their Special Day

Toddler Party Favors are FUN. When you are planning "goodie bags" for a toddler party the favors are going to be a little different. Smaller toys and trinkets are not good for smaller children. You really have to be wise when filling these bags or boxes. It can be rather easy. You can get creative and have fun with it. I am going to give you some examples of some great part favors!! Remember too, that you don't always have to fill a traditional treat bag. Substitute sand buckets or baskets and you're sure to have some happy toddlers!

Ten Great Toddler Party Favors

Coloring Books and Crayons

All toddlers love to color. You can even try and find coloring books that match the theme of the party. Tape a box of crayons on the book and they are ready to go. This is easy and will work out well for children of all ages. This is especially good if you are going to have younger and older children in attendance.


Balls

Sometimes you can get a really good deal on buying balls by the lot. I am referring to the bigger beach balls. Again, you may be pleasantly surprised and find balls to match the theme of your party. These are great for the Summer birthdays. Both boys and girls love to play with balls.



Bubbles

Now my toddler LOOOOOVES bubbles, he always has. A good choice for a party favor was of course bubbles. These are a great inexpensive party favor. You can pick them up cheap at a dollar store in packs of 4 or 5.Another option is that you can get some personalized bubbles to match your party theme. You can even get them with your child's name on them. Check out E-bay for some great deals on personalized bubbles. These toddler party favors are really great!!


Sand Buckets and shovels!!

These are great because the bucket actually becomes the treat bag. You can fill the bucket with candies and treats. The best part is that when they are done they can play with the bucket. They'll love it!!



Books

I think this would make an awesome party favor. You are giving the gift of reading. You may have to really shop around to get a good deal but you will be pleasantly surprised how cheap you can get away with this toddler party favor. Check out local Dollar stores or even online. This is one favor that Moms and Dads will appreciate as well.



Big Lollipops


This was a really cool one. For my son's 3rd birthday the party theme was Mickey Mouse. I found these huge carnival whirly lollipops for 88 cents a piece. I had personalized tags printed off with Mickey Mouse's picture on them and it said Thank You for Coming To my Party. These were such a hit!! The kids were so excited to get there hands on those lollipops. I do not recommend these toddler party favors for younger toddlers. It turned out to be very inexpensive too which was great for me!!



Personalized Candy Bars

These are another cute one too. You can have the wrappers custom made with your theme and child's name on them. You can check on E-bay because they run some really good deals on these. You buy the wrappers and then you can buy candy bars and you're all set. It really is that easy. It can get a little pricey so be careful and make sure you shop around for the best price. I think every child at every age loves chocolate!



Bath Tub Toys

You can bet that any bath tub toys toddlers will enjoy. My son loves the tub and all children get excited to have something new to play with in the tubby. You can buy packs of assorted bath toys and save on money!!! These toddler party favors are good for both girls and boys.



Alphabet Blocks


You can find packages of alphabet blocks cheap at your local dollar store. I am all for the educational toys. These fall right into that category perfectly!! Toddlers will have fun with this party favor.



Sippy Cups or Straws

They can drink out of their own cup and get to take it home with them to keep. I saw some really cute Mickey Mouse cups when I had my son's party. You can get them custom made to have each name on the cup. You can also try and find great cups to match your party theme. Easy Clean Up too!

Great "FILLERS" for the Goodie Bags or boxes

Stickers. You can buy packs of stickers and place a sheet in each treat bag. You can also save on money by cutting the sheets in half and getting more for your buck!!


Crackers. These are a plus especially for the smaller toddlers who cannot eat some of the candy.


Cookies. Another great idea for the smaller toddlers. You can get great deals on multi-packs of cookies. Toddlers especially like the animal crackers!


Fruit snacks. These toddler party favors are the ones kids really enjoy. You have to fruit snacks in your treat bags. They are a HIT!


Candy. Remember to be age appropriate when you are shopping for candy. No jawbreakers, or fireballs or anything that may be a potential choking hazard. Be very careful when buying the candy for the bags. Especially if there are going to be smaller babies there.

* Special Hint * Another option is that you can make separate bags for the little ones. Stuff their treat bags with their own age appropriate toys and snacks.

So there you have it, my list of TEN great toddler party favors. Plus a list of some great fillers for any goodie bag. I love planning toddler birthday parties and I hope you enjoy it as well. It can be hectic to plan a party but remember why you love to do it. Just to see how happy your child will be on their special day is a gift in itself.

20 is a non-edible Halloween Trick-or-Treaters Give

Halloween is approaching and if you're like me, you're not particularly excited to help expand the waistlines of our children by sharing sweets.

It is no secret that there is an obesity problem in America. Parents and children are both more and eat more junk food while exercising less. This is natural in a society where people are getting fatter.

And here comes Halloween, where children can go from house to house collecting sweets. It isridiculous! No wonder we have a weight problem in this country.

But there are fears that if it is not something, then you might get "tricked" instead?

Do not worry! You can still join in the fun of Halloween from a treatment by one of these non-edible Halloween to get your trick-or-treaters. All items can be purchased very inexpensively save your local party supply. It should cost about the same cost to buy sweets.

HalloweenPencils

Small tanks plasticine

Temporary Tattoos

Halloween tires

Coloring books

Silly Putty

Small toys

Adhesives

Floats

Bubbles

Pencil Topper

Super bounce balls

Masks

Origami paper and instructions

Small packs of cards

Fake vampire teeth

Coins

Mucus

Plastic Jewelry

Toothbrushes

These goodies are great because they play all the fun and last for more than a candy bar is. Many children appreciated the newsReceive something, not candy. treated with the delivery of these non-edible Halloween, will still be able to leave without giving a sense of guilt that comes from trick-or-treaters even sweeter to celebrate.

Squinkies Playhouse Surprise Gumball

With Squinkies Gumball Surprise Playhouse, now you can bring the fun and charm of this gumball machine, that children love to your home. The view of the Gumball machine in the mall or other places where children can notify each person and bring me back to my childhood. Now you can take home with Gumball machines Squinkies Surprise Playhouse.

It 's easy to see why the entire line Squinkies already a bestseller, and by my estimation, are flying off theShelves, long before the holidays.

Because of the small parts of this series is recommended for children four years and be so careful about where you too young at home.

Here's what I like the Gumball surprise Playhouse:
This can be set as a whole. In addition to the Playhouse Squinkies Gumball Surprise Surprise you want the cake Play House and the Palace to get a surprise.
Children of all ages to enjoy. They are mainlySquinkies love and want to gather various blister packs.
There are several ways to enjoy this toy so that children no doubt have hours of fun out of it. You can skip Squinkies with coins from the machine chewing gum, can open the pages and play at home or just have fun with your Squinkies.
The Squinkies come to their individual bubbles that you can open and, and take it from enjoying their are soft and mushy when it's done to put it backin their bubbles and into the machine.
Additional bubble packs can be purchased separately to increase the fun. Each pack is Squinkies sixteen.
Squinkies are just right, so price-conscious parents like to give this gift that every child is happy to unpack prices.

Cons:
There is little that can be said to her toys. The only problem is that I'm afraid that before the holiday season begins this precious stones are nowherebe found. As it is, just do not last on the shelves in toy stores and popular online as there are very limited stocks available.
The one with the other I can think of is that once started with Squinkies not stop collecting. We are pretty quiet for a few series available cost of collection will all add up.

All in all, Gumball Surprise and the entire line of toys Squinkies Squinkies makes my list of Hot Toys for 2010.

Topics for children's birthday

Children's parties are more fun when you have a theme. The design theme reflects the food served, sent clothes dress, invitations and games.

The following is a list of ideas of the party.

Mother and Child Tea Party
This so-called "Baby Mama Tea Party and is similar to a tea party with normal twists and turns festive. You can invite some friends and friends of your child and party like a traditional tea.

Mother Goose Party
This Mother Gooseidea of party is more like a costume party. Adults and children need to dress. Need to paint the nursery rhyme character the child to decide. For this party you can, you need the walls of his house with some pictures of the characters drawing Mother Goose's Fairy Tales. In addition, you can decorate the cake. Have fun decorating a sheet cake and make it look like an open book!

_ Is Fun
This is basically a party to celebrate the age of your child. Fillwhite with age of the celebrant. You may agreeable party games such as bowling and throwing a parade. Bubble effect can also add a party. The basic concept of this theme is the age of your child and the importance of a birthday.

Take Me to the Zoo
This party is the theme of a party animal adventure. Literally, you can even add your child to the zoo for a cool breeze. to explore with all the animals in the zoo and other things, yourChildhood and their guests have a good time. You can design your home appear like an oasis full of animals or you can invite your friends to accompany you and your child on a trip to the zoo. If you decide to do it at home, you can create a kind of effect "zoo", produced using stuffed animals and colorful third-party products. In view of the animal-games you can play animal charades or guess the sound.

Old Macdonald
This party's old topic Macdonald was the old nursery rhyme "Old madeMacDonald had a farm. "They can invite friends or visit a farm and playing with animals. You can also add your party scene at home with the help of stuffed animals, as well as view some posters and toys. Some game ideas include chicken research eggs after singing "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" song and "Duck, duck, goose." Creating caps that feature animals and shake to make your children.

ABC and 123 part
This allows the use of primary colored partyToys, children sing-song and theater components. You create a welcoming environment for children. You can help question with a nursery school teacher or you can do it alone.

Colour Party
You can use your home with colorful flags, flowers, balloons and much more adorn. In your invitation that guests should wear colorful clothes. The color should be yellow dress for the party, neon green, neon pink and red, and neon arepurple. In addition, a rainbow cake. As a gift to the party, crayons and coloring books to give.

Powerpuff Girls Costume Party Characters: Blossom Buttercup and Bubbles

Powderpuff Girls, Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles, live in a town called Townsville. Accidentally by a combination of laboratory, they were obtained from sugar to make things beautiful and unknown chemical that was accidentally spilled into the serum. All with super powers, these three characters in a constant fight against crime. Most of the children, boys and girls will enjoy this action-packed adventure series that affect them,

In considering these threeHalloween costumes for girls, it is important to note that girls can begin to act like it ... groped can save the world from their evil brother. So if you're brave, and the feeling that you are ready to move forward.

Blossom PinLite eyes, reddish hair and wears a long pink. E 'regarded as the commander of the three and their characteristics are fully developed, management, teaching, imperious and known in great detail oriented. Their power is more important than his ability to breatheIce and is also known to breathe fire from time to time.

Buttercup has green eyes, short hair and wears green blacks. Your fighting style is relentless and hostile to the characteristics of wild-caught. It 's different than the other two girls who wanted so extreme that it's almost scary. Your typical super-hero is a bit 'less as a threat, though. Principle, can roll his tongue their special powers. Yes, it is. But it is unique compared to other twoThe girls can not.

Bubbles werars has blue eyes and blue clothes and always wears her hair in two braids. Your personality is like a much less mature nature Blossom. It looks like hppy go lucky girl who loves to relax and play. This leads them in many situations in which they will as the weakest of the three sisters presented. Yours is super strengnth in their ability to speak Spanish found.

Swimming pool covers

For anyone with a swimming pool, the three keys to get the most out of the pool are as follows:

1. Keep the pool clean and free of dirt

2. Maximizing the time periods in which they can be used

3. Keep heating costs low as possible.

There are several ways to achieve these objectives, ranging from roofing and solar heating, solar rings for swimming. But the most effective way to protect water, conservation of energy and latent heatIncreasing year-round fitness is to cover the pool area with a housing or structural canopy.

Swimming pool covers are different covers, which not only cover and protect the area, but also allow the swimming spot, while the body to fall into place.

Housing used in a number of different forms of the most popular is a telescopic canopy. With this type of telescope structure sections out of the pool coverleft in colder climates and moved to the area for warmer days, uncovered. These shelters can be opened manually or with motor and slide on.

All sections of tempered glass or a "Perspex as" material that is held in a frame of light that slips around the perimeter of the pool. The height of the screen is usually for someone to walk without bending down and most of the models manually adjustable air vents enough.

This type of coverage offeredmaximum versatility and can be placed in half open and half closed.

Permanent coverage

More permanent (irrecoverable) enclosures are also available, but these are classified as permanent structures and, depending on local laws, a building permit.

These structures are usually referred to as "houses pool" and may be constructed of brick or stone, but with a wall and roof areas, consisting mainly of glass. This type ofStructure has a much more expensive than the other party telescope, and it has the effect of conversion into an indoor swimming pool. These greenhouses can be simple or elaborate, and may be a region which includes a terrace and the inclusion of heating and / or air conditioning as possible.

The cheapest

At the opposite end of the scale, there are inflatable enclosures that are tied or weighted down on the swimmingPool.

These bubbles using an air pump that inflates so that they enclose the pool area and create a bubble of hot air around and over him. This makes the conditions more pleasant to swim in the cold days, but these "bubbles" are not suitable for windy days and then have some limitations.

Which option is better?

The answer to this question is ultimately determined by the limits of a budget.

APool house converted into an inner an outdoor pool, while a telescopic housing offers the best of both worlds. Bubbles are cheap to buy, but they are also fragile and require alternative packaging and storage when not in use.

Gifts for New Born Baby Stars

Search for a suitable gift for new born mad. Infants do not have much to play, but soon begin to explore the world around them. High contrast and carpets Games are designed to help children understand the differences of shapes and patterns, encouraging its development vision. Bright colors, interesting patterns and textures take the child for toys. Some toys to play music and let the child follow the sounds. Objects that move slowlyand create a gentle sound are much more interesting for those children that are fixed and again. There are several new gifts come on the market, which is suitable for both sexes. Toys for infants often made of fleece. Development cloth toys stacking toys and musical toys. gifts for children include hats, sweaters, suits, socks and boots, boys and girls are used for both.

A new baby gift includes everything baby clothes asindividually with a lot of ribbons and lace, baby cosmetics such as baby creams, baby massage oil, bubble bath, baby shampoo, lotion and cream baby. unbreakable mirror helps the child feel his own reflection fascinating. Wind chimes can be hung to observe that children can move and hear the sound. They can be hung on the couch, so that the child is able to see before drifting to sleep. A power supply for the set of baby bottle nipples, includes refreshmentsfeeder cleaning brush, feed, cleaning gels, Sipper and thermo-ball will be of great benefit.

Some of the common gifts are baby diapers, crib bedding, strollers, wheelchairs, etc. There are different types of diapers, but most bought new were born to the cloth diapers. Diapers come in the first table when it comes to baby gift shop. diaper bags are very useful as the storage of bottles and diapers, if they help to take the child. Crib sheets are easy to get in and out. Youhave soft cotton top to the bottom waterproof. Some of them are machine washable, super absorbent material that holds up to 4 cups of liquid and is not necessary to remove the protection of the bumper. Strollers are generally used for a mall walk. There are single strollers, double and triple. Some have to break both rear wheels of a bar. It contains some of the brake pulse from the parent company, the wheelchair from rolling when they stopped to prevent worn for long periods. Teddy bears are one of the most popular giftsthat everyone would buy and donate special CDs, cassettes, a newborn baby to help fall asleep. Good Bears 15-19 cm packed with a personalized fleece hat and fleece blanket as a gift a good gift, the child is having a baby.

gifts for children can be decorated by our own and make it unique. We just have to choose a nice wicker basket and fill it with items need a new born baby. Choose a couple of packages of diapers, booties, stuffed animals,Light-colored towels and a small teddy bear. A good presentation, the mother would be the best, as you know exactly what the child needs. written cover baby-friendly songs and sung by various artists available, depending on the newborn baby to sleep, an appropriate gift will be presented to help children.

WOW Gifts for a birthday 6 years

There is no thrill like the thrill of turning 6! So, it's time to get some WOW gifts for a birthday six years.

How about six years, would come - in addition to cakes, ice cream and other food quality? For a child, may be colored with a vanity mirror, to speak. For a child, like an electric train with tracks, galley and engineer. For a girl or a boy, a radio would be a great success. Also, coloring a Mickey Mouse watch andBooks.

Sit back and let some WOW gifts forward.

Surprise gift - Let's start with this, because six years is crazy. The surprise is a field in birthday wrapping paper and tape wound. Inside, there are fun, inexpensive gifts. This may include the Silly Putty, finger puppets, a draw-by-numbers book, and blows a bubble free kit. Rings and bracelets can also play toy, a light-up tiara or crown, a coloring book with crayons, wind-upCars and a soft adhesive plastic eyeballs.

Notebook Toy - This colorful toy looks like a real computer only, will not go online. It has a keyboard, mouse and speakers. Best of all, he says, has some dandy games and puzzles, and singing songs. This toy, every year, a proud user of the computer 6.

Ballooning - This is simply the best gift of all time. There are many companies that balloon. Book earlybecause they fill up quickly. Normally, 6 people can fit in the gondola of a balloon. The trip takes about an hour and a half. The balloon is colored with the law and the ride is exciting.

Indoor Tent - year-old child's birthday-6 can invite friends to play under the tent. There are all kinds of tents, but some of the best in the form of a big giraffe, a shark, a butterfly, a zebra or other animal. The ground is soft. This tent is great fun for all6-year-old.

Baby Doll - This doll is just waiting for girls to be loved by one. He has soft and smooth skin, loves to be wet, and crying "mother" when it is foreseen in his bed. He also has eyes that roll and looks satisfied with a pacifier in his mouth. It is equipped with bed clothing. He is waiting to be adopted.

3 Wheel Action Scooter - The scooter is decorated inside with favorite cartoon characters. It also has a nice large basket on the handlebars. E 'is available in a variety of colors and has a bell, so that everyone knows is coming. The wheels are gentle on floors and carpets. This is an exciting gift for all 6 year old boy or girl.

Giant Bean Bag - This lightweight, large bean bag is big enough for six years and his dog to cuddle up to two. You can adjust as a bed, sit like a chair or drag it around from room to room. can comes with a hinged cover to remove and wash.

Profile name - Six years of ageLove her name and she would be happy to identify themselves and their importance to see a painting scroll. Their names and historical figures and famous, that name is set against the backdrop of a painting. The painting, a kitten, a knight on horseback, or another great scene.

There we have - WOW gifts for a birthday six years. You are sure to bring joy.

Ride on toys - Ride on Toys consumers love the most

All around the toys listed below were judged excellent by consumers.

Ride on Toy # 1: Ride On Pooh Orchestra

Product Description: Create and play like endless fun Pooh & His Orchestra to move your music. Children can listen to beautiful songs and music. Steering and guidance to encourage the development of gross motor skills.

Price: $ 34.99

Age: 12 months - 3 years

A customer rating: "My daughter was 1 years, this as a giftbirthday. She absolutely loves. A guide to the music on it, to push you around. She loves him. He keeps them very busy. The session also opens and she loves to hide things in there. We love this toy. "

Ride on Toy # 2: Pooh Bubbly Fun Activity Choo Choo

Product Description: "Children can listen to great songs and music to present the different forms colored buttons to guide your children and to scoot to develop motor skills ..Skills. "

Age: 12 months - 3 years

A review of the guests son received this as a gift for his birthday has. Initially, the first "I'm riding more great toys, received a total of 4, but my son immediately began to press the buttons before I could get out love. Mia! And the bubbles are great fun. But I better to invest a large bottle of bubbles, because it has only a few weeks and the bubbles are suppliedgo! "

Ride on Toy # 3: Rocking Pony Brown

Product Description:. "The only Pony Rocking with movable mouth, talk to the hand of ponies coordinates, sets and sound effects, sound and mouth motion are activated by buttons on the ears There are five tones, song 1, 2 and 2 sentences about abstentions. Sound Effects. The pony is soft, plush body with a thick mane styable. battery on / off switch and "Try Me" mode. Designed for security slipSteps and simple. "

Price: $ 29.99

An evaluation, "bought this book for our daughter almost two years and enjoys hearing the pony and pulling the ears, the music!"

Plush reindeer

As in plush toys and Halloween bat, plush reindeer are not strictly reserved for an appearance at Christmas, plush earn on any time of year, like other animals, stuffed reindeer.

Reindeer, which are sometimes called caribou, are members of the deer family (to which elk and deer). They find life in the arctic tundra are forests and mountains of Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, Russia and northern China. Wild caribou have beendomesticated in Eurasia in the south of the Altai mountain region 5,000 years ago, after a few anthropological studies. Any ancestors domesticated reindeer population today that when you try to domesticate wild reindeer are now, it has failed. modern reindeer are used to pull sleds and some are saddled and ridden. Some are also used for the commercial sale of meat and skins.

Reindeer are about four feet high and six meters wide and two males (called bulls) and females (so-calledCows) have antlers, which is in contrast with most other species of deer. Like other species of deer, but they lose their antlers each year and then grow back. Adults can weigh up to 300 lbs. They have a very strong, broad hooves (which act as snowshoes), which makes them strong runner and gives them the possibility of long distances on ice and snow travel. They also have thick brown fur, which not only isolates them from the cold, but also helps to swim in water makes them good swimmers.You can live for over ten years in the wilderness.

Despite the different names in North America, both domestic reindeer and caribou are determined by the same way anywhere in the world. However, different varieties of deer in different parts of the world have been developed on the conditions and needs of the people, which includes the transport base. For example, a Chukchi breed domesticated, have a lot more than other species, and while it seemsare ideal for meat production, pull sled is not their strength. wild reindeer are known for their long migrations known, where further north in the summer months, so they eat grass, moss, lichen e. In the winter months in warmer climates in the south where you can exchange for protection.

stuffed animals reindeer must not be used in any way to pull the sledges, unless, of course, your imagination is reserved for it, as in other preferredstuffed animals, plush reindeer quite happy living a lie of Arts, enjoy cuddles and hugs and then again, good and maybe a secret or two if the mood strikes you to trust them.

Copyright Shelley Vassall 2010th